Industry Pulse: The latest construction data and statistics

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This construction data hub is updated when any of the following five industry reports is released. These charts offer a look at the construction industry's health over the past two years.

Construction spending

While often revised in subsequent months, construction spending figures each month from the U.S. Commerce Department examine the private and public construction sectors. Within the private sector, the report tracks single-family residential, multifamily residential and nonresidential.

Latest report: October 2, 2017

Next release: November 1, 2017

While spending has steadily decreased since March, the category is likely to pick back up as construction crews begin to rebuild the hurricane-damaged South following back-to-back storms in Florida and the Gulf Coast. (U.S. construction spending in trillions of dollars, seasonally adjusted, revised figures)

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Construction employment

The labor shortage has consistently been a major challenge for construction companies. Each month, the Bureau of Labor Statistics releases job gains or losses in the industry and divides the figures into residential and nonresidential sectors.

Architecture Billings Index

The ABI, from the American Institute of Architects, serves as an indicator of future construction spending — with a lead time of about nine to 12 months — as design services lead to new commercial projects. Any mark above 50 on the ABI indicates an increase in billings.

Latest report: October 18, 2017

Next release: November 15, 2017

Though the month saw a slight drop-off in architecture billings, analysts are hopeful that demand will remain robust, particularly as hurricane rebuilding efforts get underway in the South, with strong readings in new project inquiries and new design contracts.

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Housing Market Index

The National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index offers a monthly score of builder optimism toward the single-family market. The HMI is divided into current sales conditions, buyer traffic and sales expectations for the next six months.

Latest report: October 17, 2017

Next release: November 16, 2017

October's score suggests home builders are recovering from the preliminary aftershocks following Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, though they will still face the long-term repercussions of the storms.

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Housing starts

The U.S. Commerce Department releases monthly housing starts data — one of the most closely watched residential construction reports — one day after the HMI. Although new home construction has continued to slowly recover, housing starts still remain well below what economists consider normal levels.

Latest report: September 19, 2017

Next release: October 18, 2017

August's starts report aligns with analyst predictions, according to MarketWatch, though the impact of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma is likely to show itself in increased new construction activity in the coming months and years. (New privately owned housing units started in millions, annualized rate, revised)